Chinese top cop faces trial for graft, abuse of power

Wang Lijun, Chongqing city's former vice mayor and police chief, appeared in a court in Sichuan province's capital city of Chengdu, Xinhua reported.

The Chengdu City Intermediate People's Court had held a closed-door trial Monday on Wang's two other charges of defection and abuse of power.

According to the indictment of the Chengdu City People's Procuratorate, Wang, then-chief of Chongqing's Public Security Bureau, had neglected his duty of investigating and suppressing criminal acts and bent the law for personal gain.

Prosecutors said Wang knew perfectly well that Bogu Kailai was under serious suspicion of intentional homicide. But he deliberately covered up for her so that Bogu would not be held legally responsible.

They said the circumstances are serious. Wang's behavior has violated Clause one of Article 399 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China.

Wang, as a state functionary who knew state secrets, left his post without authorisation and defected to another country's consulate while he was performing his official duty, the added.

Wang has violated the country's relevant laws and regulations by using technical reconnaissance measures against many people on multiple occasions, either without the approval of authorities or by forging approval documents.

According to prosecutors, these acts have severely undermined the socialist rule of law, infringed citizens' legitimate rights and interests, and violated criminal law.

Wang, acting as a state functionary, took advantage of his position and illegally accepted money and property worth more than three million yuan (over $480,000), in return for securing benefits for other individuals.

Prosecutors want Wang should be held criminally responsible on charges of bending the law for selfish ends, defection, abuse of power and bribe-taking.